“Beyond The Medical Chart: Empathy in Patient Care”

Rarely are healthcare professionals given the opportunity to truly ponder a crucial aspect of patient care; the truth behind what it feels like to lie in a hospital bed, vulnerable, disoriented, and stripped of every basic human dignity. I have spent nearly 300 days as a patient in hospitals and more than three decades in and out of doctor’s offices and testing facilities. As a ‘professional patient’, I offer a unique glimpse into the patient experience.

Endorsements:

“This should be mandatory for all employees in healthcare from environmental to RNs, Administration and CEO” *

“The audience loved her….her message will truly impact the work they do every day.”-Laura Concannon MD, FACP

” An amazing presenter……. absolutely the best message that we could have had for our sales team. Thank you so much for inspiring all of us to remember the patient behind the sale.”- Doug Bohrer, Vice President, ConvaTec

Inspirational Speaking

“Facing Hurdles with Humor, Hope, and Perspective”

Everyone encounters obstacles in life. I’ve personally faced: living with a chronic disease for 32 years, enduring a 218-Day hospitalization, and having my bare face rejected by the Facebook Ad Team. By sharing my experiences through engaging storytelling, audiences are left inspired to tackle their personal hurdles.

“As she spoke, all 1300 people sat riveted on the edge of their seats. …. She is a wonderful teacher and source of hope.”-Rabbi Evan Moffic

“From laughter to tears to laughter, she left our audience of 400 plus business leaders, celebrities and philanthropists all motivated …” Amy Hewitt- Executive Director of the Scleroderma Research Foundation

“ The teachers and students were asking her to return before she even left the room…. If you are looking for a personal and meaningful approach to teaching kindness, Lisa is definitely the place to start.” –Erin Kranz, Teacher at Glen Grove Elementary School, Glenview, IL.

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I just have to say i read a great article that described how I feel well probably most of us do so proud that you advocate for us I pray for us all to be cured of this as I call it Suckin the life out of us God bless Scleroderma Warrior 🙂

Reading through the articles shocked me. I’m a 28 year old woman, and I contracted scleroderma through strep throat at the age of 4. I was in a preschool where the teach and other students were ALWAYS sick. I don’t remember much, only some of the hospital stay, and all the horrific doctors appointments that followed. My immune system shut down, and they weren’t sure if I was going to live either. Then once I lived, they weren’t sure if I was going to walk. I overcame it all, but growing up “different” was ALWAYS a battle. I was teased by kids every year. My arms are also very skinny, one slighty fatter than the other. It affected the right side of my body just a tad bit more, so my right leg, side of my stomach, butt cheek, & breast is also slightly smaller than the left side. I also have issues with my right hand, it’s permanently bent to the left, I can’t bend my wrist at all. I also have that little limp while walking. I didn’t notice I had it until someone made a cruel remark once, as if I’m not self conscious enough. I NEVER explain my disease to anyone. Since I was 12 years old, I’ve worn only long sleeves and pants or long dresses out in public. I live in South Florida, picture that during the summer. The crazy thing is, I have a big stomach. I can’t gain weight anywhere else besides my stomach, and face. I HATE the question, “How many months pregnant are you?” Which I’ve gotten since high school. I have recently slimmed down, but I still have a belly. By now, since I’m 28, I’ve learned that this is who I am for the rest of my life. It still doesn’t stop me from asking the question, “Why me? Why couldn’t I have a normal body.” I have a beautiful face, and regardless, I am attractive in a many ways. When it comes down to being sexual with a man, I get very scared to reveal myself. After a while, of course a guy catches on, and realizes I’m not normal. They notice I’m covered in sleeves and pants, I never wear sexy dresses, and I always use my left hand, and try to hide my right one. Unfortunately in my generation, I’m not sure if I’ll ever get married or have a child now. I have been in 3 long term relationships with guys that accepted me, but I’ve gotten cheated on. So then I feel it’s because I’m not a normal female. I searched online here and there for someone simular to me, and I’ve yet to find someone until now. I stumbled upon an article on this blog. I thought I was the 1 out of billions of people that is like this. I’m going to bookmark this site and read up on the blogs. Sorry for leaving a clip of my life on here, I just can’t believe the similarities.